Yoga Teachers, Prepare for the New Year''s Rush - Part 3

This is the last article of this series, and by now, you should be getting some fresh ideas that will help you design a couple of new Yoga classes in your studio.

Yoga on the Ball: This has been around for awhile, but it still can add some excitement to a Yoga class. Whether you use it in a workshop, or to break up a class, the stability ball can put some life into a class.

However, not everyone will like it, especially those students who have difficulty just sitting on one of these balls. Make sure anyone who is unsteady is made aware of the hazards. It is best for some to practice near a wall, or in the corner, for stability. In this case, the wall is a secondary prop. Suzanne Deason has some interesting information on using the Balance Ball as a prop, in DVD format

Family Yoga: This is a great concept for most families, but it is worth noting that this type of class can attract some parents who desire to be in control of every aspect of their childs life. This type of parent will be easily noticed from the start, when he or she corrects their sons or daughters every move.

Therefore, it is best to establish who will do the cueing, assisting, and correcting. One unchecked parent can ruin the entire class. Kids acting like kids are understandable, but when parents act like kids, it is time to put your diplomatic skills to the test. Thats why it would be wise to have guidelines in place.

Partner Yoga for Singles: My wife, Marie, and I taught classes like these, and they do break the ice. Helping and assisting someone breaks down all the barriers. This class works better as an occasional workshop.

Laughter Yoga: The first I heard of this was when a friend of mine attended a Laughter Yoga class in Ireland. Some of the Chair Yoga classes I teach have a little humor injected into them. With all the stress people get these days, this is a stress management method that will allow Yoga students to be less serious about everyday situations.

Pet Yoga: This is a nice idea, but this is for friendly and house trained pets, only, unless you teach the class outside. Dog Yoga has been referred to as Doga. This is a great workshop concept, as long as there are no hostile pets present.

Chair Yoga: Most of these classes are held at senior centers, assisted living complexes, nursing homes, and physical rehabilitation facilities. It will be hard to establish a following at most Yoga studios, as this group is less mobile and transportation is a big issue.

Copyright 2005 Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Jerard

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What is Yoga?

Yoga comes from a Hindu philosophy used to attain spiritual insight and harmony, but generally refers in common use to a system of exercises that is practiced as part of this discipline. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit "yeung", meaning to join. A yoke as used on oxen is closely related, but also the same root gives us "join", "junction", "junta", "adjust", "joust", and "juxapose" to name a few. The Mueller Center offers classes for both beginners and those more advanced. ...
Meaning union with the divine, yoga is a philosophy and discipline applied to the development of mind, body, and spirit. There are many disciplines of yoga emphasizing different aspects or combination of mind body spirit. Through practices of holding a variety of body positions or asanas, and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way, the practitioner increases body awareness, posture, flexibility of body and mind and calmness of spirit.
An ancient system of practices originating in India. It is aimed at integrating mind, body and spirit to enhance health and well-being. There are many different forms of yoga. Hatha yoga — the most widely practised form of yoga in the Western world — uses specific postures and breathing exercises.